Sunday, December 25, 2016

Good News Even in California: Manger Scene in Sacramento Restored

After four decades of exile. the Nativity scene returned to the Sacramento State Capital

From the California Family Council:

I'm excited to report that we have some good news coming out of
Sacramento for a change!

This Christmas season, after a 42-year ban, California's Capitol once
again features a Nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus Christ the
Messiah.

The Capitol has hosted a Christmas tree for over 80 years, and a
menorah for nearly two decades. But in 1974, The Golden State decided there was
"no room" for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, claiming the display violated
the "separation of church and state."

Thankfully, that all changed this year! As the Sacramento Bee reported,
"the traditional depiction of newborn Jesus in the manger will be
displayed on the North Steps through December 26." (You can read more
about this story at our website!)

My team and I are encouraged to see
California join other states in religiously-themed displays to celebrate
Christmas. Our First Amendment right to free exercise of religion is the most
fundamental right guaranteed by our Constitution. And although this right has
been under heavy attack in recent years, there are signs of hope!

California Family Council is excited to stand for Life, Family, and
Religious Liberty in Sacramento and across the state. 2016 will bring more
challenges, to be sure, but we are honored to be your voice inside the Capitol.

From all of us at CFC, thank you for your prayers and generous
financial support of our ministry. God bless, and Merry Christmas!

Rejoicing In Our Savior's Birth,

Jonathan Keller

President

California Family Council

Reflection

There is hope, even in the darkest capitol (and capital) in the darkness, most overwhelmingly secular state in the Union.

Is it not true, that Jesus came to an entire known world that was overcome with darkness and fear.

There was destruction, discouragement, and domination.

Imagine being "a chosen people", yet living under the lash of the most unjust and insufferable government cult?

And yet .... Jesus, the Savior of the World, shined out.

Grace and Truth which came in Jesus, the only baby born to die, the only baby born King, and who would reign forever, even though initially rejected by the first people He came to save--Jesus God With Us arrived.

Today, even in dark Sacramento, in darkened California which has lost its luster, the Savior is recognized once again.

Let us open our eyes in the coming year to see that He who has been from the beginning (1 John 2:13) is with us and that no power can prevail against us (Romans 8:31).

Isaiah's prophecy of full protection follows the account of His death for our sins:

14In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from
oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come
near thee.

15Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever
shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

16Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire,
and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the
waster to destroy.

17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue
that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the
heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith
the LORD.